Orlando Pirates find themselves the closest they have been to the PSL title in years after another crucial three points against Maritzburg United on Wednesday, and coach Milutin Sredojevic has called for calm as the season draws to a close.

The victory at Harry Gwala Stadium saw the Buccaneers pull clear of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, as they sit at 53 points at the top of the table – three ahead of the Tshwane giants.

This was after a nervy display, rescued by a scrappy second half goal toed in by Vincent Pule.

Speaking after the match the Serbian mentor attributed the many missed chances that fell to his charges to their proximity to a first league title in seven years.

“Our power lies in the players’ dedication and hard work and also our supporters, without them we wouldn’t stretch our human and sporting limits and reach 53 points.

“We don’t think about anything, the moment you start to think about anything, you’re locking the legs of your players like in the first half. So many of them want to be heroes of the supporters.

“We need to calm down, that situation is locking the legs of the players and they are missing chances. They want to be heroes. Let the supporters love the team, not the individuals.”

Milutin Sredojevic

Orlando Pirates remaining fixtures

With two fixtures left to play, the equation for Orlando Pirates – keep winning and, in all likelihood, you will walk away with the league title.

However, their next assignment is a tricky one in the Mother City, where they will meet Cape Town City – a side they have struggled against in recent years, particularly on their own turf.

The round off their season at home, where they welcome Polokwane City on Saturday, 11 May.